Janashakthi offers unique policy for people with HIV
View(s):Janashakthi Insurance, in a breakthrough move in the life insurance sector, has extended life cover to those diagnosed with HIV. This is a unique new policy that will change the lives of many people and give them peace of mind. Over 3300 people were living with HIV by the end of 2014, according to estimated data from the National STD/AIDS Control programme, the company announced this week.
“In the life insurance industry there is a common practice called ‘HIV exclusion’. This means that all claims arising directly or indirectly from a policy holder’s HIV will not be covered. Janashakthi is the only insurer who does not have this exclusion in their life policies for Basic Life cover from its day one of operation,” said founder of Janashakthi Insurance, Chandra Schaffter, “As another first, with this initiative Janashakthi will become the only insurance company which will offer Life Assurance to people living with HIV.”
Janashakthi made this announcement to coincide with World Aids Day which is an opportunity for people worldwide to fight against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV and commemorate those who have died.“This policy will encourage people to seek early treatment and make sure they continue treatment. The policy is linked to the patient’s CD4 count – a blood test that indicates how well the immune system is working
This will help people living with HIV to live a longer, near normal life and it will also reduce the spread of HIV from and infected person to another,” said Dr. Indira Hettiarachchi, former National HIV/AIDS Programme Coordinator for the International Labour Organization, which initiated advocacy with the insurance sector of Sri Lanka to improve social security for people living with HIV.
An insurance innovator, Janashakthi was also the first to provide coverage for soldiers during the ethnic conflict.